In the case of flu, what medicines are safe for nursing mothers?

Colds and flu symptoms can hinder your daily activities due to nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, and other annoying symptoms. Usually the flu can be treated with medication that is freely available in the market or pharmacy. Then, what if you are a nursing mother? Are cold medicines safe for nursing mothers?

Basically, flu medicines that are generally available are still relatively safe for breastfeeding mothers to consume. However, that does not mean breastfeeding mothers can choose drugs freely. Because, there is still a 1% risk of doses of drugs that contaminate breast milk. Therefore, it is important to check the contents of cold medicine, for the health of the baby.

Cold medicine for breastfeeding mothers
Pseudoephedrine is an oral decongestant drug to treat symptoms of nasal congestion due to colds, allergies, and sinus infections. Both of these ingredients are often found in free cold medicines, and are safe for breastfeeding mothers. However, this material can still have an effect on the breastfeeding process.

Decongestants eliminate flu symptoms by narrowing blood vessels in the nose and sinuses. Nasal pathways become open, so that breathing becomes more spacious. However, decongestants also affect other body parts, which narrows blood vessels in the breast and reduces blood flow needed for milk production.

It is important for nursing mothers to pay attention to the effects of decongestants on the baby. Some toddlers will not be affected by the remaining decongestants in breast milk. However, there is also the potential for fuss and feelings of uneasiness in babies. If you do not want to take risks with breast milk production or infant behavior, then avoid oral flu medications and choose decongestants in the form of nasal sprays.

For allergic symptoms that often arise due to flu, antihistamines can be a safe choice for nursing mothers. But there are side effects on some antihistamine allergy medicines which contain diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine, which are drowsiness and feeling lazy / weak.

If consumed by nursing mothers, then these drugs can make a baby sleepy. Avoid these ingredients in allergy medications to deal with allergic complaints when the flu.

Symptoms of headaches also often present with the flu. For safe cold medicine options for breastfeeding mothers, use acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium. As for sore throats, relieve flu symptoms with lozenges or mouthwash.

Read the ingredients before using both of these products, and avoid the povidone-iodine ingredient which is dangerous for iodine levels, causing goiter.

Finally, cough complaints when the flu can be overcome by cough medicine with dextromethorphan ingredients that are safe for nursing mothers. Avoid the alcohol content that causes drowsiness and don't mix various drugs at once. Choose drugs that have mild dosages up to 1-2 times every day.

Choose the right time for taking the medicine according to the breastfeeding schedule. For example after breastfeeding a baby or 1-2 hours before breastfeeding a baby.

Cure the Flu Naturally when Breastfeeding
Medication is not the only way to effectively relieve cold symptoms and make you feel more comfortable. Use the following natural tips for nursing mothers with flu complaints.

Expand the consumption of fluids, such as warm soup, caffeine-free tea, juice, or water with lemon juice or honey.
Consumption of chicken soup to relieve nasal congestion. The warmth of the soup, good for making the throat more comfortable.
Make your own mouthwash by mixing ¼-½ teaspoon salt in 240 ml of warm water.
Rest more and reduce activities that drain energy to increase body immunity.
You may also take herbal medicines and supplement vitamin C, iron, or echinacea to shorten the duration of the flu. Consult with your doctor before consuming drugs and supplements for nursing mothers.

If the flu continues for more than 7 days or worsens, see a doctor immediately to confirm your condition.

A serious flu condition is characterized by symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, earaches, severe coughing, and facial pain. These symptoms can indicate certain diseases that are more severe, such as:

Ear infection
Sinusitis
Throat infection
Flu
Pneumonia
Bronchitis

Get an accurate diagnosis from your doctor to ensure effective treatment, and you can breastfeed your baby again without worrying.

Severe influenza is characterized by symptoms such as difficulty breathing, earaches, severe coughing, and facial pain. These symptoms can indicate some more serious illnesses, such as: